State Budget Update From Western President

July 31, 2007

The Illinois Legislature continues to meet and has not yet established a budget for the next fiscal year.

Please be assured the University will meet its payroll obligation to employees as well as pay essential bills.

Given the budget uncertainty, we must continue to restrict purchasing to items essential for the start of the fall semester. As previously noted by Vice President for Administrative Services Jackie Thompson, the Purchasing Office will continue to process requests without encumbering budgets. Departments should submit requests online. Once a full-year state budget is approved, accounts will be encumbered and orders released. Departments should advise the Purchasing Office if items are needed immediately or in time for the beginning of fall classes, and those requests will be given priority. Non-appropriated purchases will be processed as usual. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Theresa Roegge at 298-1819.

The Vice Presidents and I are committed to providing funds for salary increases. Once a new budget is passed and signed by the governor, we will review all budgetary resources and a determination will be made regarding the level of salary increases for non-negotiated employees.